Wiking commences UK windfarm operations with H145

Turkish-owned German-based operator Wiking Helikopter Service has started its wind farm support contract in the UK. Airbus H145 D-HOAE has been ferried from Emden in Germany across the North Sea to Norwich on 7th January. Later the same day it positioned to its new base at Great Oakley Airfield, near Harwich.

Wiking Helikopter Service will be fulfilling a contract with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy to provide helicopter services in support of the Galloper offshore wind farm using this H145. The 336MW Galloper offshore wind farm is located 30 kilometres off the coast of Suffolk, UK and consists of 56 turbines. The contract is the first long term heli hoist service contract for Wiking in the UK.

Temporary approval to use the Great Oakley airfield has been approved for a maximum of two years pending the construction of a helipad and hangar at Harwich International Port.

In October last year, Turkish operator Kaan Air announced that they had acquired 60% of Wiking.